by Lalinda De La Fuente

When the air-conditioning system at The Humane Society of Greater Miami broke down a little over a week ago they sent a plea out to the community to help them raise the $85,000 needed to cover all the expenses they incurred.

“I felt like the building was going to combust,” said Laurie Hoffman, director of development & communications for the humane society. “My office hit temperatures over 100 degrees.”

After a week of enduring temperature into the 90s inside the cat section of the shelter during some of South Florida’s hottest days yet, the humane society is happy to report that they have not only reached their monetary goal, but exceeded it as well. In little under a week, they have raised over $89,000.

All of their cats, around 90 of them, have been fostered out. Ideally, the humane society is hoping that many of those will turn into adoptions.

“We cannot thank the community and our elected officials enough for coming to our aid during this crisis and supporting us with all contributions both large and small,” said Alan Rubin, chairman of the Board of Directors of the Humane Society of Greater Miami.

Hoffman confirms the outpouring of support from the community. “People have really rallied and come to our help,” said Hoffman.

And it’s not just those in Miami that came to their aid. Hoffman stated that people from all areas of South Florida, including those in Palm Beach and Broward County, have made donations to help the society.

The money raised will go toward the purchase and installation of a new air conditioning unit (estimated at $50,000), the rental of temporary large and small chilling units (around $20,000 per month), diagnostic testing, the purchase of fans, and all other related expenses.

Although it was wide variety of people that came though to help, it was many local officials, companies and foundations came out to lending a helping hand. Lite FM 101.5 came out on Saturday for a special live broadcast from the humane society, resulting in $20,000 worth of donations in one day.

Other contributions of note came from the Gloria Estefan Foundation, Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Alvarez, Airstron, Inc., WSVN Channel 7 news (who delivered six free-standing air conditioning units) and Miami-Dade County Commissioner Sally Heyman.

Heyman herself came out to the shelter on July 16 to present a $5,000 check, on behalf of herself, MCM Engineering & General Contractors and the Munilla family, to the humane society.

Heyman was joined by Hoffman, Pedro Munilla of MCM, and Emily Marquez-Dulin, executive director to the humane society. Also by Heyman’s side was her chocolate lab Andy, a frequent companion to the commissioner at events and ceremonies.

“When our friends at the humane society said this a hard situation and our animals are hurt, it’s the responsible thing to do,” said Heyman of the donation. “This is a commitment that does not take money from other places; it just takes some money and puts it in a place of need.”

Photo Caption (From left to right): Director of development and communications Laurie Hoffman, Miami-Dade Commissioner Sally Heyman, Pedro Munilla of MCM Engineering & General Contracting, executive director Emily Marquez-Dulin, Armando Gutierrez of Gutierrez & Associates and ONLYforPETLOVERS.com, and Heyman's chocolate lab Andy.

Click here to view photos from the donation ceremony.